Around Hancock

Farmers market in the works in town

Buy local, sell local. That motto makes sense in these days of high gas prices.

In Hancock, we are fortunate to have local grocery stores, which purchase fresh vegetables, meat, plants and other products from local greenhouses and farmers.

This not only means a savings in the use of gas, but more tasty and healthy food.

There is a plan to begin a farmers market in Hancock this summer, and I look forward to it, as I know a lot of local folks who grow some great veggies! I hope they bring the extras to sell. I'll get out those zucchini recipes.

'Walk Across Maryland' Friday

It's Friday! The second annual "Walk Across Maryland!"

Gather at noon at the Mason-Dixon line, our northern border with Pennsylvania. Thirty minutes later (or thereabouts), you will reach the Potomac River, the southern border of our state.

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Dr. Matthew Hahn, from Hancock's Tri-State Community Health Center, will be leading the charge (or the walk, if you prefer), and taking names for the 2008 version of the Health Olympics.

A health fair will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. at Tri-State Health Center. Free health screenings, games for children, therapeutic massage, ID's for kids and storytelling for children will be some of the events at the fair.

All participants in the Health Olympics will receive a free T-shirt and a chance at other prizes donated by local businesses.

Scholarship offered to attend arts camp

The Hancock Arts Council is offering Hancock youth ages 13 to 18 a chance at a scholarship to attend a summer arts camp in Parkman, Wyo.

Session One, from July 7 to 28, will include theatre, movement and photography. Session Two from July 30 to Aug. 18 offers film, writing, sculpture and photography.

The Arts Council will provide a full scholarship plus help the applicant raise $200 in matching funds. The value of the scholarship, which includes airfare, is more than $2,000.

Each applicant must submit an application plus an essay with biography and why he or she wants to attend the Bauen Camp 2008. Members of the Arts Council will help with the editing of the essay if needed.

Arts Council offering summer drama camp

The Arts Council is sponsoring a new program this summer for youth ages 9 to 12.

Carolyn Mottern, art teacher at nearby Southern Fulton (Pa.) High School, will lead a drama camp from June 30 through July 2. Daily hours will be 9 a.m. to noon at the Performing Arts Center at the Hancock Town Hall and Community Center, 126 W. High St.

Students will learn the basics of acting, directing, choreography, blocking and set design as they work together to write an original script.

Performance of their play will be on the last day of the workshop.

The workshop is limited to 14 students, and the cost is $10 each.

Mottern has directed several theatrical performances at Southern Fulton, including this year's highly popular production of "Oklahoma!" She has more than 17 years of experience in dance and musical theatre and has been a cast member of various high school and college musicals.

Friends of Library to hold meeting

The folks at the library in Hancock know me so well that I don't always need to show my library card. They can find me by name. That is one thing I really like about our local library.

The Friends of Washington County Free Library are hosting a meeting to find out what you like best about the library or what services you would like. The meeting will be May 7 at 10:30 a.m. at the Leonard P. Snyder Library, 12624 Broadfording Road, in nearby Clear Spring.

The Friends are hosting this meeting to increase awareness about the ways their organization benefits the county branches.

For more information, call 301-739-4179 or 301-582-4519.

Feast of the Ascension

And finally, the Christian feast of the Ascension, which falls 40 days after Easter Day, will be observed next week.

According to the New Testament, Christ appeared repeatedly to His followers after His resurrection. These appearances spanned a period of 40 days and concluded when, in their sight, He ascended to Heaven.

At St. Thomas' Episcopal Church, this important event will be recalled next Wednesday, April 30, with a special service of Holy Communion at 7:30 p.m.

Guest celebrant for the occasion will be the Rev. Anjel Scarborough, of Frederick County, former intern at the local church and now an ordained priest.

She will be joined by a guest preacher for the evening, the Rev. Bill McPherson, chaplain for the Washington County Sheriff's Department. The Rev. Steven McCarty, deacon, will also participate. These special guests will be welcomed by the rector, the Rev. Allan Weatherholt.

Special music will be provided under the direction of Minister of Music Gwynne Cavey, and the Parish Choir will lead some favorite hymns for the celebration.

A potluck supper precedes at 6:30 p.m. in the church's Parish Hall.

Historic St. Thomas' is at Church and High streets, and all are welcome for this special evening.